When Megan Curoe’s husband chaired the board of Matrix Human Services, she naturally wanted to get involved, as well.
So Curoe gathered a couple of friends and her brothers and organized a Christmas program called Angel Tree, an adopt-a-family event that features a lunch, crafts, photos with Santa and the like.
So when the director of the Matrix Center, a community center for youth in Detroit’s Osborn neighborhood, asked Curoe to help organize a fundraiser to help with brick-and-mortar improvements to the center, she was happy to help.
That was a decade ago, and clearly it was a success, since the 313 in the D program has raised more than a half-million dollars to benefit the center.
“It is a large building with so many uses, but money is needed to improve and keep it up,” said Curoe, who has served on the event committee for all 10 years. “(We) came up with the idea of a rooftop party to raise money for the center and also get more people involved in all that Matrix does for the community.”
The 10th annual 313 in the D rooftop celebration returns Thursday, July 13, from 5:30-9 p.m. at 3Fifty Terrace, located at 350 Madison in Detroit.
The event features food, cocktails, dancing, raffles with awesome prizes, and stellar views of Detroit’s skyline. Support for the event brings critical resources to the Osborn community.
The 313 in the D event, the signature fundraising event for the Matrix Center, raises funds for programs and services for children, youth, adults, seniors, and families.
In the past nine years, Matrix has raised $570,667. Last year’s event raised $69,915; the goal this year is $80,000.
“313 in the D helps us to raise money for a comprehensive range of initiatives,” said Monique Riley, director of marketing for Matrix Human Services. “Supporting this signature event helps us serve Detroiters from early childhood to senior within the Osborn neighborhood’s 48205 zip code. These efforts increase a positive change in Detroit.”
As its principal fundraiser, 313 in the D has kept the Matrix Center out of the red since it was first started.
Ken Brown, the director of the Matrix Center, said the fundraiser is a key element to the center’s success.
“The unrestricted funding allows for the program to leverage other funding opportunities, including grants,” Brown said. “The proceeds will be used to renovate the center and to offer program participants a variety of experiences.”
The event takes a full year of planning. Krista Pankopf, one of the original co-founders of the event – with Curoe and Kim Hilliard – said the committee will start working on the 2024 event as soon as this year’s event – which she calls a “labor of love” — is in the books.
“The ability to give back to others is priceless,” Pankopf said. “It is truly a gift to help make the difference in the lives of others. I wish everyone would have the opportunity to do so.”
And, while Curoe admits she “loves a good party,” she loves them better when they’re “for a good cause … this is an amazing cause.”
“I am very committed to help with the Matrix Center’s mission,” she said. “Helping people feels good and when you help at the center you can see your time and donations at work.
“The center is an oasis in a really tough part of Detroit,” she added. “They are there to help everyone who lives in that neighborhood, from seniors to babies. I do not know anyone who has donated their time to the center and hasn’t walked away feeling better.”
For more information on 313 in the D, the Matrix Center or Matrix Human Services, call 313-526-4000.
